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What does the Bible say about going to bars and clubs?

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The Bible calls Christians to pursue holiness, self-control, and a public life that honors Christ, so bars and clubs should be approached with careful discernment rather than worldly conformity. Scripture condemns drunkenness, sexual immorality, and revelry, not every use of wine or every social gathering (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 1 Peter 4:3). Deuteronomy 14:25-26 shows that food and drink may be received thankfully before God, yet Romans 12:2 and Philippians 1:27 require believers to resist settings and habits that shape them toward sin. Christians should seek God’s approval over human acceptance (Galatians 1:10), let their light shine (Matthew 5:16), and avoid causing others to stumble.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Galatians 1:10

    For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? For if I were still pleasing men, I wouldn't be a servant of Christ.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

    [9] Or don't you know that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don't be deceived. Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals, [10] nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor extortioners, will inherit the Kingdom of God.

  • Matthew 5:16

    Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

  • 1 Peter 4:3

    For we have spent enough of our past time doing the desire of the Gentiles, and having walked in lewdness, lusts, drunken binges, orgies, carousings, and abominable idolatries.

  • Matthew 16:23

    But he turned, and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling-block to me, for you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of men."

  • Acts 20:28

    Take heed, therefore, to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of the Lord and God which he purchased with his own blood.

  • Philippians 1:27

    Only let your manner of life be worthy of the Gospel of Christ, that, whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your state, that you stand firm in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the Gospel;

  • Matthew 10:33

    But whoever denies me before men, him I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven.

  • Romans 12:2

    Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.

  • Deuteronomy 14:25-26

    [25] then shall you turn it into money, and bind up the money in your hand, and shall go to the place which Yahweh your God shall choose: [26] and you shall bestow the money for whatever your soul desires, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatever your soul asks of you; and you shall eat there before Yahweh your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your household.

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